Naval Group Australia has announced $1 million in new opportunities for local suppliers to participate in the Attack Class project, seeking a range of manufactured and ready-made items for inclusion in the submarines.
Released through the Industry Capability Network’s Naval Group portal, the opportunities include 27 separate work packages that comprise 39 specific items required by the submarine program.
The range of items required includes parts that may already be produced by suppliers themselves, as well as opportunities to work with Naval Group Australia on the manufacture of unique components which have been designed specifically for the Attack Class submarine project.
Following a sourcing process, companies may be requested to provide supply samples to be submitted for a qualification and testing process before possible inclusion in the Attack Class.
Opportunities include various technologies for electrical and fluidic systems throughout the Attack Class submarine platform. Products sought include valves, filters and rupture discs through to designed equipment that requires developed industry capability skills like welding and machining.
Naval Group Executive Vice President for the Australian Future Submarine Program Lilian Brayle said the company was committed to maximising local content in the Attack Class project.
“The Attack Class submarines will provide an advanced and regionally-superior capability for the Royal Australian Navy, and are already delivering major opportunities for local industry,” Brayle said.
“With this new $1 million suite of work packages, we are seeking to build business relationships in the growing national supply chain which can be sustained over our long-term project.
“These investments are creating local jobs, as well as enhancing Australia’s sovereign capability by working together to build new things that the construction of advanced submarines requires."
Naval Group Australia has already announced more than $1 billion in opportunities for Australian businesses to participate in the program, including a $900 million local manufacturing package for the delivery of 23 complex items of submarine machinery and a $100 million expressions of interest to supply tools and equipment to fit-out the new submarine construction yard at Osborne.
Naval Group Australia Chief Executive Officer John Davis said his team was working closely with businesses right around Australia, to build supply chains and maximise local participation.
“The Attack Class project is making significant progress as we continue preparations for the construction of 12 new and advanced submarines,” Davis said. “The multi-decade build will include many more opportunities for great Australian businesses to participate in our program."
Australian suppliers seeking to express their interest in the latest work packages, or receive alerts on upcoming Attack Class opportunities, are encouraged to register with the Industry Capability Network’s Naval Group portal.